FIRM COMMENDS ONOVO FOR OBEYING COURT ORDER
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo has been commended by the Board of Directors of an Aba-based manufacturing company for carrying out an order of court in reopening their company sealed by the police during the investigation of alleged financial fraud committed by the former management of the company some time last year.
The manufacturing firm, International Equitable Associations Ltd. (IEA), which spoke through its Secretary, Prince Tony Momoh, one time Information Minister and renowned legal practitioner, said Onovo had shown that the police were out to enforce the rule of law in Nigeria.
According to him, the gesture was contrary to allegations being peddled from some quarters that the police did not obey court orders. 'The IG has proved police critics wrong by exhibiting the most reasonable understanding in showing that nobody is above the law. Because of this step, we will not hide our feelings in hailing him for the bold step he has taken.'
It could be recalled that IEA , soap and detergent manufacturers, based in Aba, Abia State, was sealed up by the police some time last year to allow investigation into alleged financial fraud committed by the former board and management of the company.
Following the development, the new board , which felt that the sealing was a clog in the wheel of the progress of the organization went to court and obtained a judgment from an Aba High Court presided over by Hon. Justice S. O. E. Nwanosike, ordering the IG, AIG (Zone 9, Umuahia), the state commissioner of police and one Mr. Ali Amodu to unseal the company premises.
In the Suit No A/M46/10, dated March 16, 2010, the Hon Justice Nwanosike ordered: 'Upon reading the affidavit of Chief John N. Onwukwe and after hearing E.M Orjiako Esq of counsel for the applicant and Njoku, Henry Eronini Esq of counsel for the respondents, it is hereby ordered as follows, that the respondents are hereby ordered to unseal and reopen the premises of the company forthwith. This order is, however, without prejudice to the respondents investigating the allegations of fraud which was the initial complaints.'
As a result of this order, the IG swung into action and the premises of the manufacturing firm was on Monday, April 26, 2010 reopened for resumption of production. Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the company, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, said he was full of praises for the police and law enforcement agents for complying with the court order.
He said that for now, thorough cleaning of the company premises, offices and machineries would take place in preparation for production.
'We are taking inventory of the company's property to know what is there and what should be made available. At the same time we are also calling on all those sent on compulsory leave by the former management to resume work without delay.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the company, Chief John Onwukwe, commended the police and the media for doing what they were supposed to do in order to maintain peace during the company's times of trial.